August 20, 2015
Seniors Sector News

RECREATION AND WELLNESS DIRECTORY FOR OLDER ADULTS

The Recreation and Wellness Directory for Older Adults provides an overview of arts, fitness, technology, health and recreational activities for adults 55+ in the Edmonton area. 

With more than 1200 courses, clubs, programs and events listed, the directory is a valuable resource for older adults and those who support older adults.  The directory is produced by the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council with contributions this year from 54 organizations.

We've started deliveries of the 2015-2016 edition, so if your organization placed an order expect them by the end of August. Individual copies of the directory can be picked up at the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council (#255 Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre). You can also find a searchable online version of the directory and a downloadable PDF at www.seniorscouncil.net/programs.
SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE CITATION AWARD
City of Edmonton

The Citation Awards honour individuals or groups who have given more than five years of distinguished service as volunteers and have been inspirational leaders in sport, arts and culture, and community service within the city of Edmonton. The nomination deadline is September 11.
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff webpage)
Resources
UNITED STATES OF AGING SURVEY
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), the National Council on Aging and UnitedHealthcare

The survey examines the attitudes of 1,650 older Americans and professionals who work closely with them on a range of issues such as health, finances and community support. The responses reveal insights on how older adults are preparing for their later years, and what communities can do to better support an increasing, longer-living aging population. 

An interesting finding is that older adults' concerns about their later years differ from those of the professionals who support them. For adults aged 60+, physical health is #1, while for professionals, financial scams is the top concern.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Service Providers Resources webpage)
Professional Development
WORKING WITH IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE COMMUNITIES WORKSHOP
REACH Edmonton
October 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre, 11000 Stadium Rd.
$40 for REACH members; $55 for non-members


The workshop is intended to educate participants on cultural differences, explore the effect culture has in one's personal and professional life, and practice intercultural skills. Differences between immigrant and refugee status and the economic and social experiences of refugees in Edmonton will also be covered.
More events for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Events in the Senior-Serving Sector webpage)
News and Events for Seniors
ETS SAFETY AND SECURITY SURVEY

Ensuring a safe and secure travel experience is critically important to ETS. As such, ETS routinely completes surveys of both riders and non-riders to assess their perceptions of safety and security of the city's transit system.

ETS currently has a survey that, in addition to perceptions, asks questions about transit usage and situations experienced while travelling on the system. ETS appreciates your participation in this important research. Please click on the link below to access the survey: https://www.edmontoninsightcommunity.ca/R.aspx?a=537&as=03bs49qA2m

 A similar survey was conducted with citizens via telephone in spring 2015 and, in combination with the results of this survey, will provide ETS with valuable insights to make continuous improvements to the system. 

The study closes August 26 at 11:59 p.m. If you have questions about the survey, contact [email protected].
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES STUDY
University of Alberta Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Urban Planning Program

The study researchers are seeking seniors (65+ years) to participate in a short interview about transportation services. Help them think about appropriate means for the mobility of seniors in Edmonton. If you are interested in taking part in this study, contact the research team via email at [email protected] with a time and place where you can meet. Or you can call and leave a message for the principal investigator Dr. Manish Shirgaokar at (780) 492-2802. All responses are private and confidential.
POLE WALKING GROUP (POLES OPTIONAL)
Sage  (15 Sir Winston Churchill Square)
Wednesdays, depart Sage at 1 p.m.

A great opportunity to get out and get moving with a fun group of people! Open to everyone. Bring your Nordic Poles if you have them for a work-out that strengthens core, improves posture, reduces stress on hip and knee joints and increases stability and balance. Group goes rain or shine (the ped-ways in the rain). Meet in the Sage lobby. Register by calling 780-423-5510 ext 301.
BRING A WORKOUT BUDDY FOR FREE
Central Lions Seniors Association (11113 - 113 St.)

Bring a work-out buddy to the CLSA fitness centre for free in August and September. Guests must be 55+. Workout times are:
  • August: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • September: Monday to Friday from 1 - 3 p.m.
Call 780-496-7369 for information. 
BRAINFITNESS INFORMATION SESSION
Sage (15 Sir Winston Churchill Square)
August 27, 10:30 a.m.

Learn about Sage's one-of-a-kind program that helps to keep your brain sharp. BrainFitness has been proven to help you think faster and improve memory. Classes begin in September. The session is free but please pre-register by calling 780-423-5510 ext. 301.
MILITARY WHIST TOURNAMENT
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (9350 - 82 St.)
August 29, 9:30 a.m.

Pre-register your team of four by calling Louise at 780-222-6208 by Aug 22. $80/team ($20 per person) includes play, food and prizes.
WINE TASTING
Jewish Senior Citizen's Centre (10052 - 117 St.)
August 30, 6:30 p.m.

Taste kosher, mevushal wines available in Edmonton. You will try a variety of different wines with light snacks and learn from the professionals how to find the best wine. Receive a 15 per cent discount for wine you liked. RSVP by calling 780-488-4241. $25 per person.
OPEN HOUSE AND HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR
Edmonton Seniors Centre (3Y, 11111 Jasper Ave)
September 2, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Free

Stop by for coffee and a pastry. Renew your membership and join a program. Enjoy a stroll through the Health & Wellness Fair. Call 780-342-8625 for information.
COMPASS FOR THE CAREGIVER
At North West Edmonton Seniors (12963-120 Street)
8 weeks starting September 8
10 a.m. to noon
$40 for workbook

If you are a caregiver who assists a family member or friend with challenges resulting from disability, illness, or aging, then the COMPASS for the Caregiver workshop is for you. Topics include managing stress, preventing burnout, family dynamics, and navigating supports and services. Join other caregivers in a safe and supportive environment. Call 780-453-5088 to register.
Welcome back to sCOOL
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 - 176 St.)
Sept 9, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Kids go back to school and we return to COOL! Join us for a day of activity: outdoor yoga class, Dance FIT thru the Decades, line dancing, drop-in carpet bowling and Fit 4 Life. All classes are free for the day. We'll also have nutritious snacks and lunch available, entertainment, speaker John Stanton of the Running Room, an art display and card playing. Call 780-483-1209 for information.
SEESA OPEN HOUSE AND PANCAKE BREAKFAST
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (9350 - 82 St.)
Sept 10, 9 a.m. to noon.

Join in a wonderful pancake breakfast which includes sausage, fruit, juice, coffee/tea for $6. Check out the displays of senior friendly services, clubs and classes. Register for fall classes too! Never been a member before? Now's the time to join with the rest of this year and all of next year for only $35. Call 780-468-1985 for information.
GRANDPARENTS DAY BBQ
Alberta Union of Provincial Employees Women's Committee
September 10, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Alberta Legislature
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION
Mill Woods Seniors Activity Centre (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor of Mill Woods Edmonton Public Library)
September 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join MWSAC for a ribbon cutting ceremony, cake and refreshments, entertainment, program demonstrations and displays. Call 780-496-2997 for information.
WELCOME BACK FALL BBQ
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524-139 Ave)
September 11, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Check out the Silent Auction from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Great selection of new items to bid on. Purchase tickets for $10 before Sept 4. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Call 780-496-6969 for information.
TRAVEL CLUB
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 - 120 St.)
September 13

Participate in a trip to the Whitecourt Eagle River Casino. Book your seat for $5 by Sept 4. This trip will be possible with a minimum of 20 people participating. Some walking and stairs involved. Call 780-451-1925 for information.
DAY TRIP TO THE JURASSIC FOREST & UNCLE ED'S UKRAINIAN RESTAURANT
Edmonton Seniors Centre (3Y, 11111 Jasper Ave)
September 15

Let's crunch our way through the fall leaves and build an appetite for a delicious Ukrainian feast. Cost $30 for bus and forest. Bring $10 - $15 for lunch and a little extra for shopping in the deli if you like. Bus leaves ESC at 9 a.m. and returns approximately 2:30 p.m. Call 780-342-8625 for information.
OPEN HOUSE
Strathcona Place 55+ Centre (10831 University Ave)
September 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

If you have never been to Strathcona Place before and want to check them out, this would the day. Come for a tour, cup of coffee, some snacks from the restaurant and see some programs in action. Call 780-433-5807 for details.
ITALIA WITH GUSTO
Edmonton Meals on Wheels
September 17

Edmonton Meals on Wheels largest annual fundraising event is fast approaching! Taking place at David Morris Fine Cars (17407 111 Ave.) this event will feature great Italian wine, hors d'oeuvres, live entertainment and both a live and silent auction. All money raised will go towards supporting the meal subsidy program as well as costs associated with meal transportation. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased online at www.mealsonwheelsedmonton.org or by calling the Meals on Wheels office at 780-429-2020.
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors webpage)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
TELUS WORLD OF SCIENCE
Fall Volunteer Opportunities, September 8 to December 31

Share your expertise and love of working with people to help others discover the world and beyond in a fun and interactive environment. 

A variety of unique opportunities await you in educational or ambassador roles as a volunteer staff member at TELUS World of Science. A new volunteer opportunity is also available in the Science Garage. The Science Garage invites guests of all ages to get their hands and minds busy with science as they create, compete, tinker, test, and build their way through a wide variety of activities and displays. Read more in the volunteer listings.

Shifts for these positions are available on weekends, weekdays and evenings. For more information visit the TELUS World of Science Edmonton volunteer web page or contact Volunteer Resources at 780-452-9100 or by email at [email protected].
(links to the Volunteer and Work Opportunities webpage)
MORE INFORMATION

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